The Winslow City Council approved an emergency ordinance July 22 to set the property tax levy rate at $1.2831 per $100 of assessed property valuation, an increase from the previous rate of $1.1934. This item was removed from the last agenda, as not enough members were present to pass it as an emergency.

An extension of the contract for city engineering services with Woodson Engineering was approved, as was an additional services agreement with the firm for North Road reconstruction and widening, scoping, environmental and design services for an amount not to exceed $196,800.

City Manager Stephen Pauken and his designees reported on recent city activities. He said that the transformation of the old golf course from the city farm had run into some difficulty, which was being handled. Southside water lines project 3 is being considered. A city well is going bad, but is under warranty.

Council members talked about what the code enforcement officer could do with photos to help upgrade the city. They also talked about forming a citizens’ board to provide input and about the proposed shooting range.

A request from the Standin’ on the Corner Foundation for funding and waiver of vendor fees for its Standin’ on the Corner celebration on Sept. 26 and 27 resulted in the city cosponsoring the event and providing the requested assistance.

In other action, the council:

* Approved an amended intergovernmental agreement between the state of Arizona, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the city, as well as a hold harmless agreement between the city and the Little Colorado Medical Center.

* Proclaimed July 26, as High Desert Fly in Day in Winslow.

* Approved the consent calendar, including the check register, minutes of the July 8 council meeting, awarding of a bid for manhole rehabilitation, a special events liquor license for the Standin’ on the Corner Festival on Sept. 26 and 27, and a special events liquor license for Catholic community of Winslow fundraising event on Sept. 13.

Speakers during the call to the public included Arizona Speaker of the House Andy Tobin, who is a candidate for Congress. He spoke about the needs of Arizona, especially rural Arizona.

Librarian Docia Blaylock spoke about the Friends of the Library sponsoring Diamondbacks Organist Bobby Freeman in Winslow on Aug. 4.

Kenn Evans spoke about graffiti cleanup and requested action on that issue.

Marie LaMarr spoke about the Little Colorado Medical Center, and the need for the council to become more involved and knowledgeable.